Saturday, May 30, 2009

Another Audio Lab album from 1959, this time "Songs Of The Hills", AL 1515. I recently was lucky enough to add this fine album to my collection. It contains tunes by many regional country acts who recorded for the King family of labels at some point. Of special note is Jimmy Martin and Bob(by) Osborne's 1951 recording of "My Lonely Heart", and Red Perkin's original recording of the frequently covered "Big Blue Diamonds", not to mention Jack Cardwell's descriptive tribute, "The Death Of Hank Williams". I also really enjoyed "The Lights Are Growing Dim" by unique-voiced Harvie June Van. With the exception of Martin, Osborne, and Redd Stewart of Pee Wee King fame, these are all artists that had followings, but never made the big time, which to me just makes it that much more interesting. Hopefully all of you out in blogland feel the same. Enjoy!

Hey folks, Lefty here. Just wanted to apologize for the lack of posts of late. Things have been very busy around the old Double L Ranch, and they are probably going to continue to be throughout the summer. I just won't be able to post as much as I'd like. I will, however, try to make the posts I can get together count, with fairly primo stuff. I have been lucky to come into some rather special albums in my travels, and the LP shown here is no exception.
Audio Lab was King Records' attempt at a budget subsidiary, with albums issued between 1959 (the issue date of the present LP) and 1962. They were made up for the most part of back catalog material from the Cincinnati label's vaults, much of it never otherwise issued on long play. King must not have sold these in great volume, as today they are extremely scarce, sought after, and valuable, even in less than perfect condition.
It always astounds me how many avid record collectors neglect to check in on their local thrift shops. Although many of these outings are duds, the gems that can be found at other times can really make up for it. In what is, I suppose, the kind of boasting only fellow record collectors would understand, I am rather proud to relate that I purchased "Time For Prayer" (AL 1518) at a "Bibles For Missions" thrift store in Windsor, Ontario. In an attempt to clear their vinyl stock, they had reduced LPs to three for a quarter (Rose Maddox on Harmony was one of the the other records involved in this purchase). So your pal Lefty's advice, buckaroos and buckarettes, is get out there and scavenge!
I really love this album from start to finish. Some particular points of interest are:
"Jesus Will Save Your Soul" - This track by Tommy Magness features Don Reno and Red Smiley at what I believe is the first session they participated on together.
"John Three Sixteen" - Originally released on 78 as King 1050-AA. The Harlan County Four are actually the Delmore Brothers along with Red Turner and Zeke Turner (no relation). Very cool.
"Little David Play On Your Harp" - Whew, it's the Gospel Ranger hisself!
"I Feel Like Travelling On" - My ears tell me Alton and Rabon Delmore's voices and guitars accompany Clyde Moody on this track. I beleive Clyde was a sometime sub for Merle Travis on Brown's Ferry Four sessions, as was Red Foley.
"Be On Time" - I've been just nuts about Mac O'Dell for a very long time, having grown up with a 78 of "Penicillin". Note harmony by Don Reno, that could even be Don on mandolin (he did, after all, play everything...)
Once again, I appreciate all you good folks patience as the posts get farther apart. Things should pick up in the fall, until then I hope all the followers of this blog have a great summer!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

The late Earl Heywood (1917-2006) was one of Canada's pioneering country music performers. Born in Exeter, Ontario, he resided most of his life in Wingham where he became one of the personalities most associated with station CKNX and it's famous traveling Barn Dance. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Heywood on a few occasions, as well as exchanging letters and phone calls with him. He was always most encouraging of my musical pursuits. He also never failed to mention that his radio debut had occured in 1941 over station CFCO, in my hometown of Chatham, Ontario.
The album featured in this post is a cassette I purchased at the Ernie King Music Store in Wingham about twenty years ago (I'm not sure if this was ever on LP or not). It is comprised of recordings of Earl's old "Serenade Ranch" show which was broadcast live over CKNX from 1946 to 1953, only seven of the programs having been saved on transcriptions. These were rather crudely edited to create the program here, with what sounds to be mostly later commentary by Earl, and some mighty annoying applause and crowd noise which is certainly not original. However, this is still a fascinating document of early Canadian country radio, especially in light of how little of this type of material is extant. The performances here are top notch, with Earl and his wife Martha accompanied by "the fiddling champions" Mel Levigne and Ward Allen (who we also hear sing harmony!), Bill Mankiss on accordion, Lloyd Bank on steel, and Jack Kingston on bass(!). I hope you enjoy these memories of "Canada's Singing Cowboy", Earl Heywood.

Includes a scan of the cassette insert.

Sides One and Two are included as individual mp3s of the continuous program.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

This 1965 LP on Dewey Groom's Longhorn label (transferred from a 1980's reissue) features the legendary Bob Wills in a wonderfully relaxed setting, recalling fiddle tunes of his youth with a small group of musicians. As the liner notes state:

This recording was made with one microphone strategically suspended above the group as they sat in the studio reminiscing over several cups of coffee. There wasn't any rehearsal or arrangements and our efforts to capture the spontaneity that goes with this "visit" were a complete success.

Although many of the tunes on the LP have been issued on several budget compilations through the years, I really feel the original uninterrupted program must be heard for full effect. Therefore this transfer is presented as two continuous mp3s for sides one and two.

Includes jacket and label scans.

Tracks:

Side One - Big Taters In The Sandy Land, Mayflower Waltz, Billy In The Low Ground, Beaumont Rag, Faded Love